Clary leads bid to raise £100,000

Julian Clary will be cracking the whip as ringmaster at the Harrogate Candlelighters' Circus Ball, which takes place on Saturday, November 22, at Harrogate International Centre.

The wickedly funny comedian, actor and author will be appearing to help to raise money for Candlelighters. The evening's goal is to raise £100,000 for the Brain Tumour Research Laboratory.

Chairman of Harrogate Candlelighters Sarah Charneca said: "We are very excited that Julian Clary has taken time from his busy schedule to appear at our fundraising ball. We're sure, with his help, our goal for the night will be met."

Candlelighters supports the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Unit at St James's Hospital in Leeds.

This year Candlelighters is joining with the Andrea's Gift charity to raise £400,000 to set up a new Brain Tumour Research Laboratory to conduct research into treatment and support for the one-third of all children admitted to the Children's Cancer Unit.

Tickets cost £125 a person, and there are tables of 10. For information about ticket availability call 07899 880 006 or email circusball2008@yahoo.co.uk. Donations to www.justg
iving.com/braintumourresearchlabcandlelighters.

Nominate your favourite doctor

The search is on to find the best doctor in Yorkshire.

While the NHS more often finds itself in the news for failing to meet waiting lists or complaints of scant resources, a campaign to champion doctors has been launched.

Earlier this year Dr Neil Bacon launched a website to capture patient feedback and now readers are invited to put forward their nominations for the county's best doctor.

To take part visit www.iw
antgreatcare.org and click on the rate section.

Students at risk of meningitis

The Meningitis Trust is issuing a warning as students return to school, college and university this autumn.

The charity is urging all parents, students and teachers to be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Meningitis is an infectious disease that can kill within hours and leave some survivors with severe after-effects, including brain damage, sight and hearing loss.

While children under five are most at risk, teenagers and students are the second most at risk group.

The trust produces free cards to fit inside your wallet, which display the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

The card is free from the Meningitis Trust's freephone 24-hour helpline on 0800 028 18 28.